The FBI is currently investigating the cargo ship Dali, which was involved in the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Officials have confirmed that FBI agents are on board the ship, carrying out authorized law enforcement actions. The investigation aims to determine if any crew members knew about the significant issues with the ship’s system before it departed from the port.
FBI Criminal Investigation on Baltimore Bridge Collapse
A spokesperson informed Reuters that FBI agents boarded the cargo ship Dali for law enforcement activity related to a crash. They stated that no further information is available to the public, and the FBI won’t comment further. Prior to the FBI’s involvement, the US National Transportation Safety Board spoke with Dali’s crew as part of their investigation.
The collapse happened around 1:30 am on March 26, when the cargo ship bound for Sri Lanka crashed into a support pylon, causing a section of the bridge to partially collapse. Six construction workers repairing potholes fell into the Patapsco River and died. Only three bodies have been found.
As replacing the bridge will take years, authorities have opened two temporary channels for shallow-draft vessels to navigate around the damaged container vessel. The US Army Corps of Engineers plans to open a new channel to the Port of Baltimore by the end of April.
Erek L. Barron, the US attorney for Maryland, stated to USA Today that his office won’t confirm or comment on investigations, but they’ll seek accountability for any threat to public safety or property, including gun violence, civil rights abuse, or financial fraud.
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Updates on Investigation and Responsible Parties
Divers have found three out of the six bodies from the recent accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board Chair, Jennifer Homendy, mentioned that they are focusing on the ship’s electrical system as it had issues just before the crash. Videos show the lights flickering on and off.
The data from the ship’s recorder is helpful but limited. Homendy hopes the engine room data will give them more insight.
Mayor Scott stated that the city will take action against all responsible parties for the Key Bridge tragedy, including the ship’s owner, charterer, operator, and manufacturer. Since the ship’s owner is already trying to limit liability, the city needs to act fast to protect its interests.
The ship, named Dali, is managed by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., both based in Singapore. It was chartered by Maersk, a Danish shipping company.
Synergy Marine spokesperson Darrell Wilson stated that they are fully cooperating with government investigations and will refrain from further comment for now.
This investigation follows concerns about the safety of U.S. bridges, especially after a recent incident where river barges struck a closed bridge in Pittsburgh.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. What caused the Baltimore bridge collapse?
Ans. The collapse occurred when the cargo ship Dali crashed into a support pylon, resulting in a partial collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Q.2. Who owns and operates the cargo ship Dali?
Ans. The Dali is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and managed by Synergy Marine Group, both based in Singapore. It was chartered by Maersk, a Danish shipping company.
Q.3. What is the status of the FBI investigation?
Ans. FBI agents are conducting law enforcement activities aboard the Dali to determine if any crew members were aware of significant issues with the ship’s system before it departed from the port. Further details are not available to the public.
Q.4. How is the National Transportation Safety Board involved?
Ans. The NTSB is investigating the incident, particularly focusing on the ship’s electrical system. They are analyzing data from the ship’s recorder to gain insights into the events leading up to the crash.
Q.5. What actions are authorities taking to address safety concerns after the bridge collapse?
Ans. Authorities have opened temporary channels for vessels to navigate around the damaged container vessel. The US Army Corps of Engineers plans to open a new channel to the Port of Baltimore by the end of April. Additionally, Mayor Scott has pledged to hold all responsible parties accountable for the tragedy.
